Pipe handling apparatus



April 5, 1938. I E. B. HALL ET AL 2,113,270

PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS @Vfl 'www 48 49 A @tem/0066] April 5, 1938. Y

E. B. HALL. ET AL PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Aug. l5. i936 lf2 O 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 5, 1938 1 PIPE HANDLING lliwin B. Hail, Vlrlil yP. Baker and Franklin (itis Booth, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application August 15, 193s, semi No. 96.200

'11 claims. (ci. 214-1) This invention relates to well equipment and relates more particularly to pipe racking apparatus for handling pipef tubing, casing, etc. at

wells. A general object of this invention is to' i provide a simple practical and very eilicient apparatus for racking pipe, etc. at a well. Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus that greatly facilitates the handling and racking of the drill pipe tubing, etc. during the various well drilling and producing operations. Y

Another object of this invention isJ to provide a pipe' racking apparatus that is operable to rapidly and efficiently rack the pipe or tubing when it is withdrawn from vthe well and greatly assist in making up the springs of pipe tubing, etc. as theyare run into the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus of .the character menf tioned that may. be employed with little, or no danger to the workmen and equipment.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus of the character mentioned that is operable to rack or lay down the pipe in a reclining position on the rack. Heretofore it has been the general practice to rack pipe in a well derrick-by standing it on end in a substantiallyI vertical position in the derrick. 'I'he practice of racking ripe in a substantially vertical position is very dangerous as it requires that a workman be positioned on an elevated platform or fingerboard high in the derrick to manipulate the elevator for.carrying the pipe and, quite frequently, this Workman falls from the ngerboard or is knocked from the rfinger-board toA fall to the derrick floor. Further, it is usually impractical to rack the pipe in a substantially vertical position in a portable drilling rig as such rigs are rather small and are 40 not designed to carry stacked pipe. l

Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus of the charact'er mentioned that is well adapted for use wlth or for embodiment in a portable well drilling rig.

Another object of this invention is to provide a Pipe racking apparatus of the character mentioned that requires a minimum number of operators ,or workmen and that handles or racks the pipe with a minimum of effort or labor on the part of the workmen.

Another object of this, invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus of the character men,- tioned that vracks or lays down the pipe in a re- 55 clined position for rapid vand convenient re-engagement and elevation to a vertical position for making up the string.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe racking apparatus of the character mentioned that is entirely automatic or power driven' and readily controlled from a convenient position by merely manipulating a control switch.

A further object of this invention is tov provide -a pipe racking apparatus of the character mentioned that is inexpensive and that is simple 10 and easy to install at the drilling rig.

'I'he various objectsrand features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred'forms and applications of the invention, throughout 15 which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: l

Fig. 1 is a side elevationof the apparatus of the Kpresent invention showing it associated with a portable drilling rig vand .illustrating a length 20 of pipe in position to be racked. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the rack illustrating the carat the inner end of the track and carrying the lower endof a pipe. Fig.

3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed 25 sectional view Ataken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 4-1 on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional 30 view taken substantially as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view ofthe forward endy portion of the car showing the removable end in position theretional view taken as indicated by line l-'l on Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the invention embodying a kdriving motor and a remote control.

, The apparatus of the present invention is 40 adapted to handle the drill pipe and casing, tubing, rods, etc. employed in the various well drilling and producing operations. Accordingly, where we herein employ the term pipe we mean drill pipe, tubing, casing, rodsor like objects em- 4 ployed in connection with well drilling, producing and testing operations.

'I'he racking apparatus of the invention is adapted to be used in connection with various forms of well drilling rigs and apparatus. In the following detailed description we will describe two typical preferred forms of the invention as employed in connection with a. more or less typical drawings includes, a wheeled derrick floor F.

The floor F is substantially horizontal and is supported for ready transportation by pairs of wheels W. Suitable jacks or posts I6 may be provided to support the floor F when the rig is in use. A derrick II projects upwardly from the floor F between its ends. The derrick II may be formed of steel or wood and may be of conventional construction. A rotary table I2 projects from the floor F adjacent one side of the derrick II. A drum shaft I3 is rotatably supported by the posts of the derrick II and carries a Winding drum I4. The rotary table I2 is driven by a chain drive I5 extending from the drum shaft I3.L The rotary table I2 is adapted to carry the various bushings, slips, etc. for supporting and rotating the drilling string, etc. A driving engine (not shown) is provided at one side of the derrick II for driving the shaft I3 and other mechanisms. In the drawings we have shown a suitable housing I6 for enclosing the drilling engine, the pumps and other equipment. An arm I1 projects horizontally from the upper portion of the derrick II and' carries a sheave or pulley block I8. A hoisting line I9 is wound on the drum I4 and extends to the upper end of the derrick II where it operates over a suitable pulley 20 and the pulley block I8. A hook 2| 'is provided on the hoisting line I9 and, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, may carry an elevator 22. The pulley I8 is located substantially directly above the rotary table I2. The rotary table I2 is at the mouth or upper end of the well and is provided to drive or rotate the drilling string entering the well. i

The embodiment o`f the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, of the drawings includes, generally, a supporting structure or rack 23, a rail or track 24 at the rack 23, a dolly or dolly car 25 Imovable along'the track 24 and adapted to support an end of a length of pipe P, and means 26 for returning and counterbalancing the car 25.

The supporting structure or rack 23 is provided to support the racked pipe P in a reclining posi'- tion when not in use in the well. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the rack 23 may be variedconsiderably in construction and may be formed of various suitable materials. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings the rack 23 is of simple construction and is formed of wood. The simple rack 23 illustrated in the drawings includes a substantially horizontal head rail 21. The rail 21 is arranged at the end of the derrick floor F adjacent the rotary table I2 and is preferably parallel with the adjacent end of the der-` rick floor. In the preferred arrangement the rack rail 21 is some distance above the floor F and is of substantial length. 'I'he rail 21 is preferably continuous and is supported by suitable posts 28. The rack 23 includes a foot rail 29 spaced a considerable distance outwardly from the rail 21. The rail 29 extends parallel with therail 21 and is somewhat lower than the rail 21. In practice the outer rail 29 may be supported by suitable spaced posts 30. In accordance with the invention the rack rail 29 is dividedI or parted substantially intermediate its ends to leave a vertical gap or space 3I.. The two rack rails 21 and 29 are preferably of substantial length to carry a considerable number of lengths of pipe P. The upper surfaces or sides of the rails 21 and 29 are preferably provided with protective cushions or plates 32 of rubber, rope or the like.

The rail or track 24 is provided to carry the car 25 for lmovement between a position adjacent the rail 21 and an out position adjacent the. rack rail 29. The track 24 extends outwardly from the rail 21 to the rail 29 and preferably extends in a direction substantially radial relative to the rotary table I2. In accordance with the broader principles of the invention the track 24 may be varied in construction. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the track 24 includes an elongate member 33 of wood or the likeI lt being understood that the main track member may be in the natureof a steel beam. Angle irons 34 may be provided on the upper corners of the member 33 to have their upper flanges lie against the upper surface of the member. 'I'he inner end of the track 24 is spaced some distance below the upper side of the rail 21 and the outer portion of the track is spaced the same distance below the upper side of the rail 29 whereby the track is inclined downwardly and outwardly and is equally Spaced below the rails. The inner end of the track 24 is supported or fixed in a sultable manner. In the particular case illustrated the track member 33 is secured to adjacent posts 28, it being obvious that it may be supported in any other manner. The track 24 preferably extends outwardly beyond the rack rail 29 and its outer end may be supported by supports or posts 35. In accordance with the invention vthe track 24 passes directly below andparallel with the gap or space 3| as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. V

The dolly car 25 is movable along the track 24 and is adapted to support or carry the ends of the lengths of pipe P when they are being racked and removed from the rack 23. The particular car 25 illustrated in the drawings includes a bottom orbody 36 of substantially rectangular plan elevation. The car 25 is supported on the'track 24 and has its body 36 some distance below the plane ofY the upper sides of the rack rails 21 and 29. The outer portion of the car body 36 may have an upwardly and outwardly inclined surface 31. The car 25 includes side plates 38 secured to the body 31 to project above the upper surface of the body and to project a substantial distance downwardly from the body. The plates 38 are vertical and substantially parallel and are adapted to extend downwardly to or beyond the lower side of the track member 33. The upper edges of the plates 38 are substantially parallel with the upper surface of the body 36. In the preferred arrangement the upper edges of the plates 38 are spaced slightly below the uppermost surfaces of the rails 21 and 29 or the upper surfaces of the rail cushions 32. Horizontal shafts or axles 40 extend between and are supported by the plates 38. Wheels or rollers 4I are rotatably supported on the axles 40 through suitable anti-friction bearings 42 and are adapted to operate on the angle irons 34 of the track 24.

.The dolly car 25 may be provided with ends. The forward end 43 of the car 25 is preferably removable and is only intended for use when the apparatus is employed to rack the pipe or lay the pipe down on the rack 23. 'I'he car end 43 is adapted to fit between the side plates 38. The

`forward portion of the car body 36 may be thickened to carry horizontally projecting bolts or pins 'I5 u. 'me end u is shaped-to at about' the rorward end portion of the body 35 and is bifurcated having slots 45 for receiving the pins 44.

The cooperation of the slots 45 with the pins 44 removably retains the end 43 in its proper` position on the car 25. yThe end\43 preferably projects some distance above the inclined piane of the upper surfaces of the cushions 32 on therails 21 and 29. The car 25 may be provided with an outer end 45 similar to the end 43. 'I'he end 45 may be permanently secured -to the car 25 or may be removably connected with the carin the same manner as the end 43. When the car 25 is on the outer portion of the track 24 and is supporting the lower end of a length of pipe P which is to be laid down on the rack 23 the pipe may engage the upper edge of the inner Acar end 43 and following the disconnection-of the elevator 22 from the pipe the pipe may be readily rolled from the end 43 onto the rack 23. When the apparatus is being employed to swing the lengths of pipe into the derrick for the purpose of making up a drilling string or thelike, the end 43 is preferably removed from the car 25 whereby the sections ofpipe P maybe readily rolled onto the car 25.

The means 28 is provided to return the car 25 from its lower or outer position to a position at the inner end of the track 24 following the racking of each length of pipe P. The means 26 is also operable to counterbalancethe car 25 when the apparatus is employed to facilitate the swinging of the pipe into the derrick Il for the purpose of making up the string. When employed for this purpose the means 28 counterbalances the car 25 to the extent that it may be shoved or moved along the track 24 to the desired position and so that the car will remain in any position to which it is moved. The means 2B includes a cable or line 41 connected with the car 25. In practice a rod 48 may be carried by brackets 49 on the lower edges of the car plates 38 and' an end of the cable 41 may be secured to the rod 48. The rod 48 may serve to prevent the car 25 from jumping from the track 24. A pulley 50 is rotatably supported by a suitable bracket 5I on one of the posts 28 and-the line 41 operates over the pulley 50 toexte'nd downwardly to the under side of the oor F. Spaced pulleys 52 are rotatably supported under the oor 41"* to direct the line 41. An arm 53 projects from the upper portion of the derrick i i and carries a suitable pulley 59. 'I'he line 41 extends upwardly from one of the pulleys 52 to pass through the derrick Ii and engage over a pulley 6i at the upper end of the derrick. The line 41 extends fromthe pulley 5I to pass downwardly over the pulley 59;

Counterweights 52 are carried on the depending end portion 'of the line 41. When the apparatus is being employed to rack the pipe P or to lay the pipe down on the rack 23, the weights 62 are suchthat they operate to automatically return the car 25 from a position at the outer portion of the track 24 to a position at the inner end of the track following the rolling of the pipe P from the car. The weights 52 are` individually removable from the line 41 so that the car' 25 may be made to operate in the desired manner. When the apparatus is being employed to facilitate the swinging of the pipe P toa vertical position for the purpose of-making up a string, the counterbalances 62 are preferably such that they fully counterbalance the car 25 whereby itmay be easily moved along the track 24 and will remain in any position to which it is moved.

The racking apparatus Just described may be readily erected or installed in the derrick for use in racking the pipe andcther objects handled in the well. In practice the pipe, tubing, etc. delivered to the well may be delivered directly on lthe rack 23, It will be noted vthat the rack 23 is operable to support the pipe P in a reclining position in amanner so that it may be readily rolled along the rails 21 and 23. The pipe carried by the rack 23 does not interfere with operations at the well but is conveniently accessible.

When'it is desired to remove a length of pipe P from the rack 23 for the purpose of assembling it in a string at the well the car 25 is moved along' the track 24 to a position at the lower end portion of the track. The length oi' pipe to be handled is preferably previously rolled along the rack '23 to a position opposite the outer end of the said length of pipe P. In practice an operator may be stationed at the inner end of the track 24 and may merely push the car 25 downwardly on the track 24 and stop it in a position opposite the outer end of the length of pipe by engaging` the line 41 adjacent the pulley 55 or the pulley 52.` As described above, the counterbalances 52 may be such that the car 25 may be shifted along the track 24 and will remain in any selected position. Following the positioning of the car 25 the operator merely rolls the selected pipe P so that its lower or outer portion falls into the space .3| and is received in the car 25. It lwill be observed that the head rail 21 of the rack 23 is continuous so that there is no danger or the pipe 41 bodily famng from the rack; As described above. the end 43 cf the car 25 is prei'- erably removed from the car when the apparatus is being employed to facilitate the making up vthe inner end of the pipe P through the medium of the elevator 22. As the, inner end of the pipe P is being raised by the elevator 22 the outer end of the pipe is supported by the car 25 which moves inwardly along the track 24. The weight of the outer portion of the pipe P is such that it assures the positive inward and upward movement of the car 25 along the track 24. The inner end of the pipe P may be raised by the elevator- 22 until it assumes a substantially vertical position such as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings,

at which time the car 25 is at the inner end of the track 24. 'I'he operator or operators then swing the lower end of the pipe P from the car 25 to the position above the rotary table' 2 for connectionwith the string. The operator at the inner end of the track 24 may then push the car 25 outwardly along the track 24 and stop it at the selected position by engaging the line 41 so that the car is opposite the outer end oi thc length of pipe P which is to be handledat the subsequent operation. 'Ihe above described operation may be repeated to individually remove the pipe P from the rack 23 and assemble it in the string at the derrick.

When the device or apparatus is `to be employed for racking the lengths of pipe P being disconnected from a string at the derrick the endof the pipe from the car.

car 25 is preferably provided with its inner removable end 43 and the counterweights' are adjusted to fully overcome the weight of the car 25 so that it will automatically move upwardly P is disconnected from the string its lower end is swung outwardly to the car 25. 'I'he lower end of the pipe P may be allowed to rest on the body 36 of the car and the inclined surface 31 may resist outward displacement of. the lower The hoisting mechanism of the rig is then operated to allow the pipe P to move downwardly whereupon the car 25 moves outwardly on the track 24. 'I'he car 25 moves outwardly on the track 24 until the pipe P assumes a position where it engages the inner rail or head rail 21 of the rack 23. The elevator 22 is then disconnected from the pipe P and the pipe is rolled from the upper edge of the car end 43 onto the rail 28 and is then rolled along the rack 23 to the desired position. The counterbalance 62 automatically returns the car 25 to its position at the inner end of the rack 24 and the operation may be repeated.

Fig. 8 of the drawings illustrates the invention embodying means for positively operating and controlling the car 25. The rack 23 of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings may be identical with the rack described above except th'at its rails 21 and 29 may be in the same horizontal plane to support the pipe P in a horizontal position. The car 25 may be identical with the above described car 25. The means for operating the car includes a line 10 secured or flxd to the car 25'. In practice the line 10 m'ay be secured to the under side of the car 25 to extend along under the track 24. Pulleys 1I are rotatably supported by suitable brackets 12 on the posts 28 and 35 and the line 10 operates over the pulleys. A remote controlled motor or reversible motor 13 is suitably located at the rack 23. The line 10 is preferably continuous to operate over a pulley 14 driven by the motor 13 whereby the line 10 and the car 25 are operated by the motor. The control 15 for the reversible motor 13 is connected in the control line 16 of the motor and may be located at any suitable or convenient point. The control 15 includes buttons 18 or control parts for effecting the operation of the motor 13 in either direction and the stopping of the motor. The control 15 may be manipulated to effect the operation of the car 25 in either direction and to effect the stopping of the car 25 in any position. The operation of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings is substantiallythe same as that of the previously described form of the invention. The car 25 for carrying the lower end of the pipe P may be easily and accurately controlled by means of the control 15 of the reversible motor. The control 15 may be positioned so that a single operator may readily manipulate and cluding,'a rack' forl supporting the pipe'in a reclining position, the rack including a head rail,l

and a foot rail in spaced substantially parallel relation to the head rail, the foot rail being interrupted between its ends leaving a gap, a track below the planes, of the rails extending from adjacent the head rail to a point beyond the foot rail, the track passing below said gap, and a car for carrying an end of a pipe and operable along the track and movable through said gap, the car being movable between a position where said pipe is reclining at the rack and a position where the said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end ehgaged by the hoist mechanism of the derrick.

2. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, said apparatus including, a rack for supporting the pipe in a reclining position, the rack comprising 'a' head rail adjacent the derrick and a foot rail spaced from the head rail and at a lower elevation than the head rail, the foot `rail being interrupted between its ends by a gap, an inclined track below the 'planes of the rails and extending from the head rail to beyond the foot rail, the track passing under said gap, and a car for carrying an end of a pipe and operable on the track between a position where said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end engaged by the hoist mechanism and a position where the said pipe is reclining to be rolled on the rails of the rack.

3. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having `a hoisting mechanism, said apparatus including, a rack for supporting the pipe in a reclining position, the rack comprising two substantially parallel pipe supporting members, one adjacent the derrick, the other spaced outwardly from the derrick, the said other member being interrupted between its ends leaving a gap, a track extending outwardly from /adjacent the first mentioned member to a point beyond the said other member, the track passing below the said gap, a car for supporting an end of a pipe adapted to pass through said gap and movable on the track between a position where said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end engaged by the hoist mechanism and a position Where the said pipe is reclining to be rolled on the members of the rack, and a part on the car projecting above the plane of the upper surfaces of said members of the rack and from which the pipe may be rolled onto the rack.

4. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, s aid apparatus including, a. rack for supporting the pipe in a reclining position, the rack including a member adjacent the derrick and a member spaced outwardly from the derrick and interrupted between its ends to leave a gap, a track below and extending at substantially right angles to the rack members and passing below said gap, a carr for supporting an end of a pipe and movable on the track between a position where said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end engaged by the hoist mechanism and a position where the said pipe is reclining to be rolled on the rack, the car being below the pipe supporting surface of the rack. a part on the car projecting above said surface from which the pipe may be rolled onto the rack, and means removably securing said part to the car whereby the part may be removed to permit an end part of a pipe to be rolled from the rack onto the car.

5. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, said apparatus in'- cluding, a rack for supporting the pipe in -a reclining position, the rack including two substantially parallel pipe supporting members, one adjacent the derrick and the other spaced outwardly from the derrick and located in a plane below the plane of the rst mentioned member, an in'- clined track extending outwardly from below the irst mentioned member to a point beyond the said other member, and a car for supporting an end of a pipe and movable on the track between a position where said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end engaged by the hoist mechanism and a position where the said pipe is reclining to have its iirst mentioned end rolled onto the said other member and where it rests on the said ill-st mentioned member at the inner end of the track. y

6. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, said apparatus including, a rack for supporting the pipe in a reclining position, the rack including two spaced substantially parallel members, one adjacent the derrick, the other spaced outwardly from the derrick, a track below the plane occupied by the members and extending outwardly from the first mentioned member past an end of the said other member, a car for supporting any end of a pipe and movable on the track between a position where said pipe is substantially upright with its upper end engaged by the hoist mechanism and a position where the said pipe is reclining to have its rst mentioned end rolled onto the said other member and where it rests on the said rst mentioned member, and means for returning the car to the inner end of the track.

7. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, said apparatus inthe other member, a car for supporting the lower end of ya pipe which is suspended from its upper end by said mechanism, the car being movable along the track between a position where the pipe is reclining on the iirst mentioned rack member and the car and a position where the pipe is substantially upright, power means for operating the car, and a lremote control for the power means.

8. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, the apparatus including, a pipe supporting member adjacent the derrick, a second pipe supporting member spaced outwardly from the flrst mentionedvmember, a track spaced below the plane occupied by the members and extending outwardly from a point below and between the endsV of the first mentioned member and passing an end of the second member, and a car for carrying an end of a pipe and movable along the track between a position where the pipe is upstanding and a position' where the pipe is reclining with one end portion resting on the first mentioned member and with its other end on the car and in position to be rolled onto the said second member.

9. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, the apparatus including, a pipe supporting member adjacent the derrick, a second pipe supporting member spaced outwardly from the first mentioned member and at a lower elevation than the iirst mentioned member, an inclined track spaced below the inclined plane occupied by the members and extending outwardly from a point below and between the ends of the iirst mentioned member and passing an .end of the second mein-- ber, and a car for `carrying an end of a pipe and movable along the track between a position where the pipe is upstanding and a position where the pipe is reclining with one end portion resting on the rst mentioned member and with its other end on the car and in position to be rolled onto the said second member.

10. Apparatus for'racking pipe at a well der'- rick having a hoisting mechanism, the apparatus including, a pipe supporting member adjacent the derrick, two pipe supporting members spaced outwardly from the first mentioned member and arranged in longitudinal alignment with their adjacent ends in spaced relation leaving a space, a track below the plane occupied by the first and second mentioned members and extending outwardly from a point between the ends of the iirst mentioned member and passing below said space, and a car for supporting the end of a pipe and movable along said track and adapted to pass through said space.

11. Apparatus for racking pipe at a well derrick having a hoisting mechanism, the apparatus including, a pipe supporting member adjacent the derrick, a second pipe supporting memberl spaced outwardly from the rst mentioned member, a track spaced below the plane occupied by the members and extending outwardly from a point below and between the ends of the first mentioned member and passing an end of the second member, and a car for carrying an end of a pipe and movable along the track between a position where the pipe is upstanding and a position where the pipe is reclining with one end 

